But Woomelang-Lascelles fought back in the second quarter and once Harry Harcourt, who finished with five goals, put it in front late in the term the Cats led the rest of the game, winning 16.14 (110) to 13.12 (90).

Ouyen United lost forward Laurence Angwin, who had kicked five goals, just before half-time to a suspected concussion.

Woomelang-Lascelles co-coach Joe Davies, who is five months into the recovery stage of his fourth knee reconstruction, stressed pre-match the importance of a strong opening term after a poor start last week against the Southern Mallee Giants.

“To (Ouyen’s) credit they did run and carry and they definitely outplayed us in the first quarter, but to our boys’ credit too they knuckled down and got on top in the second quarter,” he said.

Davies applauded the performance of a young backline of Wade and Kane Donnan and Jack Poulton, as well as 18-year-old ruckman Arnold Kirby.

Woomelang-Lascelles’ future is still unclear after a review into football in Victoria’s northwest recommended the Mallee league fold at the end of this season.

“To win what is looking more and more likely to be the last premiership of the Mallee league, I think it’s very important, especially to the people around the community who do so much for the club,” Davies said.